OneWeb Satellites
OneWeb's satellite constellation is designed to operate in low Earth orbit (LEO), at an altitude of approximately 1,200 kilometers (750 miles). This positioning allows the satellites to provide lower latency compared to traditional geostationary satellites, making the network more efficient for internet services. The constellation is expected to consist of around 648 operational satellites, with additional spares in orbit to ensure network reliability.

The first batch of six OneWeb satellites was launched in February 2019 aboard a Soyuz rocket from the Guiana Space Center. These initial satellites were used to test and validate the system’s performance. Following the acquisition by the UK government and Bharti Global, OneWeb resumed its launches and continued to build its constellation.

OneWeb's satellites are designed to communicate with each other through inter-satellite links, which helps maintain network connectivity even if a ground station is not immediately accessible. End users will connect to the OneWeb network via small user terminals, which can be installed in various locations, including homes, businesses, and mobile platforms like ships and airplanes.

OneWeb Company
OneWeb is a communications company founded in 2012 by Greg Wyler, with the aim of developing a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide global internet coverage, especially in underserved and remote areas. Originally called "WorldVu," the company was later rebranded as OneWeb. Wyler, leveraging his experience in satellite communications, envisioned creating a satellite network capable of delivering internet access to almost any location on Earth.

In 2015, OneWeb attracted substantial investments from major companies such as Qualcomm, Virgin Group, and Coca-Cola. These funds enabled OneWeb to move forward with its ambitious satellite development plans. The company partnered with Airbus to manufacture the satellites, with production set up in Toulouse, France. Additionally, OneWeb collaborated with launch providers like Arianespace to deploy its satellites into space.

Despite early progress, OneWeb faced financial challenges due to the high costs associated with satellite deployment. In March 2020, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, leading to a temporary halt in its operations. However, in November 2020, the UK government and Bharti Global acquired OneWeb, allowing the company to exit bankruptcy and resume its satellite launches. By the end of 2021, OneWeb had successfully deployed over 350 satellites as part of its constellation.

Photo courtesy of OneWeb.

The LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3), formerly known as GSLV Mk III, is India’s most powerful operational launch vehicle, developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It is designed to carry heavier payloads into space and plays a crucial role in India’s ambitions for both commercial satellite launches and deep space exploration. First launched in 2014 as a suborbital test flight and then fully operational by 2017, the LVM3 has since become the backbone of ISRO's heavy-lift missions. It notably launched the Chandrayaan-2 lunar mission and is slated for use in the upcoming Gaganyaan crewed spaceflight program.

Specs

Height: 43.43 m (142.5 ft)

Diameter: 4 m (13 ft)

Mass: 640,000 kg (1,410,000 lb)

Stages: 3

Payload to Low Earth Orbit (LEO): 10,000 kg (22,000 lb)

Payload to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO): 4,300 kg (9,500 lb)

The LVM3 is a three-stage vehicle consisting of two large S200 solid rocket boosters strapped to either side of the core stage, a liquid-fueled L110 core powered by twin Vikas engines, and a C25 cryogenic upper stage that uses a CE-20 engine fueled by liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. The vehicle is built to be modular, cost-effective, and capable of handling both governmental and commercial payloads, positioning India as a competitive player in the global launch market.

Image courtesy of ISRO.

The Second Launch Pad (SLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, India, is one of ISRO’s primary launch complexes. Operational since 2005, it was developed to support the growing number of satellite launches and to reduce dependence on the older First Launch Pad. The SLP is a versatile and modular facility, capable of launching all of ISRO's current rockets, including the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), and LVM3 (formerly GSLV Mk III).

Located on the eastern coast of India, the site allows for launches over the Bay of Bengal, ideal for a range of orbital inclinations. The SLP features a Mobile Service Tower (MST) and a Fixed Umbilical Tower (FUT) for vehicle integration, fueling, and payload access, enhancing launch preparation efficiency and safety. It has been used for major missions like Chandrayaan, Mars Orbiter Mission, and several NavIC satellites.

Image courtesy of ISRO.